In the parish of Sant’Antonio in Terni, the Antonian sanctuary of the Franciscan Protomartyrs, the patron saint is celebrated on 13 June with holy masses at 8.30, 11.30 and 18.30 presided over by Monsignor Vittorio F. Viola ofm, secretary of the Dicastery for worship divine and discipline of the sacraments. At 9pm, procession with the statue of the Saint through the streets of the neighbourhood.
The feast of Saint Anthony in Terni has a particular meaning as the Minorite vocation of Anthony of Lisbon is the result of the testimony of the Franciscan Protomartyrs originating from the Terni area, sent to the land of non-Christians, i.e. the Iberian peninsula and Morocco. After various attempts to preach the Gospel, five of them were killed in Marrakech; transported to Coimbra, their mangled bodies were seen by the Augustinian canon Fernando da Lisbon who, recognizing in them the Friars Minor he had previously met and admiring their faith, also wanting to live the same evangelical radicality, centered in the Minorite Order with the name of Anthony.
This together with the fact that on the day of Saint Anthony, 13 June 1944, Terni was freed from foreign occupation and the war ended. But peace was a promise and commitment that continues today locally and globally. This is why gratitude to Saint Anthony as “defensor civitatis” becomes an indication for a city and a world of solidarity and justice, in this year which marks the eightieth anniversary of the end of the war. For this reason, the centuries-old wooden statue of the Saint has been restored, and a silver lily will be offered not only as a sign of gratitude but also as a commitment to be builders of peace with him.
In preparation for the party:
Friday 31 May at 6.30 pm Eucharistic celebration, presided by Mons. Francesco Antonio Soddu Bishop of Terni-Narni-Amelia. Blessing of the restored statue of Saint Anthony of Padua.
From 31 May to 12 June the Eucharistic celebration will be held at 6.10 pm and at 6.30 pm with the presence of the parish communities of the forania. From 10 to 12 June the celebration will be animated by Brother Cornelio Pallares ofm “Antonio, man of hope”
Sunday 9 June at 11.30 am remembrance of wedding anniversaries and at 6.30 pm Holy Mass for all the faithful deceased.
Wednesday 12 June at 6.30pm Eucharistic celebration, reading of the Transit and gift of the silver lily to the Saint. At 9.00 pm Musical elevation with the participation of the Ferentillo musical band and fr. A. Brustenghi (Church)
Thursday 13 June 8.30 am Eucharistic celebration, at the end the bread of Saint Anthony will be blessed and distributed during the day.
At 11.30 am Eucharistic Celebration for Peace “Sant’ Antonio Defensor Civitatis” presided by Fr. Massimo Siciliano OFM. 4.00 pm blessing of the children, offering of lilies and party in the oratory.
6.30 pm Solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Monsignor Vittorio F. Viola ofm, secretary of the Dicastery for divine worship and discipline of the sacraments, 9.00 pm Procession with the statue of Saint Anthony along the streets: C. Dentato, s. Pietro in Campo, Franciscan Protomartyrs Roundabout, M. Claudio, V.le della Stazione, A. Floriano, C. Dentato, Three Monuments, Pliny the Younger, A. Pompeo, D. Massimo, A. Saffi, Della Bardesca, B. Brin, C. Dentato.
The procession will be animated by the Sangemini musical band.
